NeuroCare Brain & Spine Center

NeuroCare Brain & Spine Center™ - Common Spinal Conditions

Disc Herniation

Discs are the cushion between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). Disc herniation - also known as a slipped or ruptured disc - occurs when some of the gel-like inner nucleus is pushed outside of the outer layer of the disc through a tear or rupture. The piece of nucleus that has "ruptured" can then press on spinal nerves causing pain numbness or tingling and weakness.

Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. They are more common in the lower back (lumbar spine), but also occur in the neck (cervical spine) and occasionally in the mid-back (thoracic spine). The area in which you experience pain depends on what part of the spine is affected.

Cervical/Cervical Radiculopathy (neck)

Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy - an irritation or pinching of a nerve in the neck - may include dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, pain that radiates down the arm to the hand or fingers, or numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm.

Lumbar/Lumbar radiculopathy (lower back)

One of the most common symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy - an irritation or pinching of a nerve in the low back - is sciatica. It can cause a sharp pain, burning, tingling, and numbness that radiates from the buttock into the leg and sometimes into the foot, typically on one side. You may also experience low back pain along with the leg pain.

Treatment Options

Most herniated discs do not require surgery. However, a very small percentage of people with herniated discs may experience pain, which significantly affects their quality of life. Initial treatment is often focused on ways to decrease inflammation of the nerve, which is causing the pain. Besides watching physical activities, additional treatments for mild to moderate cases may include anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, physical therapy, and complementary therapies.

Surgery is an option for:

  • Patients with pain that is not controlled by other treatment
  • Patients with pain that gets worse despite other treatment or therapy
  • Patients with weakness of the arm or leg (depending on which nerve is being compressed)

Spine Pain Treatment Options